


OVE 




Class^BAJSJ 
BookxA-2ZL 
Copyright ]»J?_ 



COKfRrCHT DEPOSm 



Edited and Copywrited 1909 by 

ALBERT A. ADAMS 

Council BlufFs, Iowa 



\'^' 

^'' ^ 



,f 




lUBRARY of CONGRESS 
Two CoDies Received 

m 21^ iw^» 



?Copyriftnt E:ntry 
Class ^ J>^^ ^^ 



AXc Mo. 




CHAPTER I. 



TRUE LOVE. 



[F we could grasp the full 
meaning of the title "True 
Love" it would be possible 
for us to move mountains 
and walk on the water 
with strength and faith. Our short 
sightedness through the lack of true 
love is the maincause of our misery and 
deprivation; thus God gave His son that 
all, or whomsoever will, might receive 
life eternal, and Christ gave his life in 
fulfillment of the same. This is true 
love, a perfect God, a perfect son, a 
perfect love, a love for all things good, 
all life and all creation. Man has not 
attained perfection (all admit), so have 

—3— 



not attained true love, or love in its 
full sense. The factors "love'' and 
''hatred" seem inate with us all from 
infancy. Example: — If the mother 
loves her child, the child in return will 
love the mother. Though quite often 
the lack of love on the part of the 
mother leads to a disregard for the 
child, so the child in return has no re- 
gard for parent. Love is exercised to 
some extent, but seldem in a full sense, 
while hatred is exercised seemingly at 
times in its full sense. What could be 
more hateful than the cause of death 
or misery in any sense, not only in 
human life, but in animal and vege- 
table, animate and inanimate. Love is 
paramount to evil, yet not exercised to 
so great an extent, leaving a lasting 
stain that must be removed. We can- 
not worship God and Mammon. Love 
does not pertain to nothing but good, 
for many love the things of this world, 
or in greed would seek wealth and fast 
living instead of the things of God. 

-4- 



[Quotation by Ella Wheeler Wilcox.] 

"You never can tell when you send word — 

Like an arrow shot from a bow 
By an archer blind— be it cruel or kind, 

Just where it will chance to go. 
It may pierce the breast of your dearest friend, 

Tipped with its poison or balm; 
To a stranger's heart in life's great mart 

It may carry its pain or its calm. 

You never can tell when you do an act 

Just what the result will be; 
But with every deed you are sowing a seed, 

Though its harvest you may not see. 
Each kindly act is an acorn dropped 

In God's productive soil; 
Though you may not know, yet the tree shall grow 

And shelter the brows that toil. 

You never can tell what your thoughts will do 

In bringing you hate or love; 
For thoughts are things, and their airy wings 

Are swifter than carrier doves. 
They follow the law of the universe — 

Each thing must create its kind ; 
And they speed o'er the track to bring you back 

Whatever went out from your mind." 

In many cases the present condi- 
tion of affairs and means force us to 
strive vigorously and greedily for a 
mere sustenance without respect as to 
how or where we obtain the all-mighty 

-5- 



dollar. True love does not consist of 
these elements, untrue love does. 
There seems to be no way provided 
whereby a man can be wholly just to- 
day. He seeks a proviso which means 
buy and sell, exchange or trade with 
the idea of gain. This is so developed 
in one that the other has to take ad- 
vantage or quit, which means depriva- 
tion. Man must not be prejudice, or 
always take after things which look 
good and seem right, but must seek 
the right and do good works. Then 
true love will develope and the right 
will come into view more and more. 
It is only through prejudicy and the 
lack of true love and earnest work that 
with-holds the perfect day and act — 
there are none just; no, not one. Many 
things look good and seem right which 
were brought of Satin. Such things 
prove as the green apple to the child — 
it makes distress. Many love their 
own surroundings, as their children, 
their near surroundings. They would 
sacrifice much for them, while their 

—6— 



fellowman and distant neighbor they 
love not. True love is a love for all, a 
feeling for all, as Christ loved all, since 
He spoke to Jerusalem, saying: "How 
oft' would I have gathered thee under 
my wings." Making distinction in the 
untrue way is oft' times man's greatest 
fault. He who comes on earth with 
pomp and wealth is given an earthly 
crown. He who comes meekly and 
without is oft' times ignored and held 
without. Christ said: "Love thy 
neighbor as thyself and pray for thy 
enemies." If he came on earth today 
teaching of the father, only those of a 
likeness to a certain extent in quality, 
would accept his teachings, as did the 
apostles. They had an ear to hear, an 
eye to see; those were the true lovers. 
If wrapped in the things of this 
world, that is, the evil things, money 
making, etc., then the whole trend of 
the mind of the person bends that way 
and does not possess true love. With 
the person who possesses true love 
walks the ever presence of God, and he 

-7- 



strives to find a source wherein he can 
make an honest living or sustenance 
for himself and family, earnestly pray- 
ing for the end of this political and 
financial scheme. Not that we should 
critisize the government, but like all 
human efforts, it is lacking, as the 
human is lacking, and we would re- 
place it only with a perfect leader; not 
with form and much of tape, but true 
love and perfect harmony. 

Many believe that we are to be 
resurrected as we are, (in the fiesh — as 
we are now); others that we will be- 
come spiritual; others that we sleep, 
and others that when death takes place 
we are instantaneously changed to 
spiritual beings with divine nature, 
and many believe, they believe, they 
don't know what. There are many 
among all these believers who think — 
I know whereof I speak; I am in- 
structed of God. Many imagine their 
work inspired; they all know whereof 
they speak. When one of this kind 
makes a statement, that settles it, you 

—8- 



may as well go on, because it is all 
settled with him. The Jews knew 
whereof they spoke and rejected Christ 
Many of the young men brought up by 
kindly parents, given a schooling at a 
country school or city, be it at either, 
studies law, and perhaps latin, goes to 
some academy or theological school and 
is taught what he should believe in a 
routine way according to doctrine- 
knowing little of the wants and needs 
of the people, realizing little of the 
suffering and thirst of Christ, they 
start out to teach people what they 
must do to be saved; making a great 
deal of preamble and a good many 
duties to be performed before one 
could become termed a christian in 
their sense. Does common sense tell 
the well disciplined, hard working, 
honest man that after a day's work he 
must go and listen to such a person tell 
him what he must do, after which he 
may enter into a multitude of different 
creeds or churches and have it contra- 
dicted. The person who has been 

—9— 



raised without this flowery and well 
out-laid way with a great deal of strife 
and hardship cannot content himself to 
listen to these, or such instructors. 
Then again there are those who start 
meekly and earnestly, striving to make 
the people better. They toil for their 
own by the sweat of the brow and im- 
plore people to forsake their filth and 
receive that which is clean. 

Whether of the ministry or not, 
the man of a true loving spirit proves 
a great benefactor some place, some 
how or some time; his work and words 
go forth not for nothing, but return a 
great blessing. We would not say 
aught against the nominal church 
except to replace them or fill their 
place with a true lover, Jesus Christ. 
Many quote this passage: ''Let your 
light so shine that others may see your 
good works and glorify Jhe father in 
heaven.^' Place it not under a bushel; 
in other words, be a true-hearted true 
lover. True love will clean the chim- 
ney, the light will go forth and pierce 

-10— 



the darkness and the way will appear. 
Many get the wrong impression about 
the light. Much profession, loud talk- 
ing, shouting and long prayers will not 
necessarily make your light shine. 
Neither will the reverse, quietude and 
quoting things very quietly and 
smoothly, with folded hands and a long 
face. A fountain filled with impurity 
and filth cannot send forth pure water. 
We must, therefore, empty our hearts 
and minds of the impure and untrue, 
and fill them with the pure and true 
that good may proceedeth out of us. 
True love epitomizes the whole of the 
former suggestions. 

If one be a true, loving, kind- 
hearted person, does it substantiate the 
fact that most of the people will love 
and cherish him? No, not necessarily 
at once, for often he has a hard and 
steep road, yet a joyous one. Many 
speak of Christ as the shepherd and 
those followers or believers as belong- 
ing to the fold. The teachings of Christ 
seem more plain and direct than most 
—11- 



of those of the old testament. Many- 
try to explain Satin in the garden, but 
where it says, ''He shall go on his belly 
and eat earth all the days of his life/^ 
they begin to guess at it, and most 
people skim over it. How ridiculous to 
eat earth and go on one's belly all 
through life. Some state it a fallen 
angel transformed to a serpent through 
which he spoke to Adam and Eve. A 
serpent, yes; or the likness of man with 
horns and tail, yes; or any other famil- 
iar idea, yes. Maybe neither, perhaps 
a spirit. Why not be honest, and say 
you do not know. It means to me, 
whatever it is, evil, sinful, disgraceful 
and distasteful. Keep your head above 
accepting anything of a serpent, or in 
other words, one who is sneaking and 
holds forth nothing but misery and 
death. The bible states that the whale 
swallowed Jonah, who remained in the 
whale's belly three days and three 
nights. So also does Christ speak: "As 
Jonaswas three days and three nights in 
the whale's belly, so shall the son of man 

-12- 



be three days and three nights in the 
heart of the earths This statement of 
Jonas and the whale seems typical of 
the burial and resurrection of Jesus 
Christ. 

We know that we now exist and 
live, having an opportunity to do good 
or evil We know the statement 
about the beginning of the creation of 
of man and woman must be true since 
we are here. God made man in his 
own image, male and female. We also 
have light and darkness, cold and heat, 
also the sun, moon and stars, plants 
and animals; we all receive the benefit 
of these and exercise dominion over 
the fish of the sea and the animals of 
the field. These things we know are 
true. The rain is for all, the just and 
the unjust. Many look upon the min- 
istry and theologians and so-called 
scientific men, master minds and all 
leaders of the nominal church as the 
means of evangelizing the world. 
Many think because of much pomp and 
infiuence they cut much figure. Re- 

-13- 



member the leaders among the Jews, 
the most learned and worldly-wise 
rejected Christ. It was Christ before 
Pilot. Christ came in a meek way and 
taught in a way unknown to the lead- 
ing Jews. Not the great amount of 
study alone will give an ear to hear and 
an eye to see, but also a true love or 
the exercise of true love and much 
patient work and endurance. Not 
that which goes into the mouth that 
defileth man, but that which proceedeth 
from the mouth, since that from the 
mouth speaks the meaning of the heart. 
It was the writers of the law and the 
Pharisees that Christ upbraded for 
teaching the doctrine of man instead of 
God. We would not speak against 
anyone in or out of the nominal church 
whom is sincerely trying to become 
better morally, or is trying to teach 
the doctrine of Jesus Christ. These 
things may be permitted to enlighten 
the people to some extent, a thing we 
all need. We would simply replace or 
refill these places of short-comings with 
— u- 



a true love, a true teacher, a perfect 
teacher. 

Man sayeth, *^I did not know, I did 
not understand, how could I do differ- 
ent? '' and many like excuses. That is 
why we make many mistakes and 
blindly lead the blind. Because we do 
not know does not excuse us from suf- 
fering the bad effects of sin, or our 
children either, for their teeth are set 
on edge from the bad effects of our 
parental actions. Men become depraved 
and abased first and then take to rash 
acts, selfishness and narrow-minded- 
ness which lead to the minor offenses, 
as petty stealing, misrepresenting, 
wrong impression, hypocrisy and so- 
called white lying and legal profits. It 
is all right as long as legal, so they say, 
but finally they admit a great many 
things that have a downward tendency. 
This finally leads to such a depraved 
condition that criminality works its 
way in, and when criminal, they have 
a general disregard for all things good 
and no reverence for God or Son. 

-15— 



Some say man becomes drunken and 
then has no regard for family, or God. 
I say, the man who takes to dissipation 
has little regard for family, or God. 

True love alone will overcome all 
bad doings. One whom learns to love 
all things that hath life, soon discards 
dishonesty and misrepresentation, thus 
he is open to receive the truth and the 
light shines more and more as he dis- 
cards the bad and learns to love his 
fellow-man. If each individual would 
take it upon himself to become a lover 
of good, then the bad would be want- 
ing. Many teach that certain things 
and duties are required of the person 
other than attention and seeking. 
They want you to come into their flock^ 
be baptized and pledge yourself before 
you look into matters for yourself; 
then after wearing their specks for a 
while things look their way to you, the 
result would be very much the same as 
which one you would enter on account 
of a little prejudicy for other forms, 
perhaps. How easy one can be taught 

-16— 



from infancy with few exceptions to 
believe many things whether true or 
not. Many churches and people make 
the boast of righteously directing 
children and when through with them 
they are, as it might be, fitted to step 
out into the world and make a success 
in some line. Generally a business line, 
thus their time is taken up largely in 
business intrigue, and they have no 
time to exercise their brains in any 
other direction except money making 
and legally taking advantage wherever 
the occasion permits. Learn to love 
and your heart will find but little inter- 
est in many of the features of your 
business. You will find a load bearing 
on your mind, as no doubt many do. 
We say to our boys, don't use wine and 
tobacco! Yet we are merchants, don't 
take advantage, yet we drive a hard 
bargain. Be honest in all your deal- 
ings, my boy, or child, and the boy 
looks about for examples, and he finds 
them. Some of them in the church, 
some out, some singing hymns in the 

-17— 



choir. On the other hand, if the boy 
can be taught to love humanity and his 
surroundings then he does not become 
so piggish and selfish. He may enter 
business, it matters not what line he 
goes at, he has a conscience and a love 
that is paramount, a feeling that 
prompts much good action, a sympathy 
for others, and he does not care to take 
advantage to so great an extent as one 
without these good qualities. 

Many of us worry and stew about 
our future; how we are raised, how we 
die, where we die, where we go to, etc. 
Does worry and stew help us gain light 
on this subject? Many say, yes, and 
claim the key note to the whole pro- 
blem. The great trouble is that their 
tuning forks are discordant. Some 
siate that we shall be raised spiritual 
beings and be partakers of divine 
nature, i. e., part of us, that part which 
go according to their side. Some, that 
upon becoming repentant and baptized 
and accepting their terms of salvation, 
you thereby become partly spiritual 

—18- 



and partake of the divine. Others, 
that we will become spiritual when we 
die, and others that we are to be raised 
human, and so many beliefs, too num- 
erous to mention. Many think they 
are the bride of Christ, also many that 
they are or will be a special flock. 
Some speak of a thousand years' reign 
with .Christ, and some think that he 
now reigns, also some that he has 
reigned. Whom is it that chooses and 
rewards? Can we place or grade our- 
selves for him? Why not be honest 
and say we will strive for the best, and 
God will place us, or raise us, or change 
us to his own choice, for he is the 
kingdom, the power, and the glory for- 
ever: for your righteousness must ex- 
ceed that of the Scribes and Pharisees 
or else you shall in no wise enter the 
kingdom of God. 

Should anyone try to give the im- 
pression that it is wholly essential to 
be baptized either by sprinkling or 
dipping beneath tne water, just be- 
cause they go back and find that many 

—19— 



came out from the city and wilderness 
and were baptized by the one called 
John the Baptist, and because about 
the same time, one Jesus Christ came 
and was baptized and said it becometh 
us to fulfill all righteousness. John said: 
^^Why flee from the wrath to come, 
bring forth, therefore, meat and fruits 
for repentance; I baptize you with water 
unto repentance, but he that cometh 
after shall baptize you uith the Holy 
Ghost and with fire '^ It seems to me, 
being immersed or baptized in water 
would mean forshadowing our conse- 
cration, or an act, or action to take 
place some time. Not a pledge or a 
vow, but rather a resolve to try and 
lay aside those things unbecoming, sin- 
ful, and partake of those taught of 
Christ. We might term it putting on 
a new coat or robe, or laying aside the 
things of this world, i. e., the sinful 
and discordant things. This would be 
baptism unto repentance. It might 
mean more to some, and it might f or- 
shadow their burial, resurrection 

—20- 



(ascension) as it did in Christ's baptism, 
for surely he was not baptized unto 
repentance or for the remission of sins. 
Some speak mentioning the Father, 
the Son and the Holy Ghost, and some 
speak of that time when Christ said 
that God would send the comforter. 
These statements seem to confuse 
some. They wonder what the Holy 
Ghost is and what Christ meant by the 
comforter, etc. So they become be- 
wildered, but these statements mean 
to me the power of God (Spirit of truth) 
which was imparted to Christ, for he 
said: ^'The Father and I are oneJ^ 
If not God's power, what is it? 

The Pharisees' and Sadducees' 
soldiers came and each wanted to know 
what were the requirements. John 
bade them come repentant with a true 
loving spirit (fruits and meat for re- 
pentance) Christ instructed his disciples 
after his resurrection (ascension) to 
go and teach all nations the gospel as 
he had taught them, baptizing them in 
the name of the Father, and of the 

—21— 



Son and of the Holy Ghost. The 
disciples were men, not only acquainted 
with Christ, but of similar kind, for- 
bearing dispositions. There was nothing 
compulsory about their baptism. It 
was used as a starting point, or as an 
outward showing of the man's consecra- 
tion, as an inducement, in other words; 
they went teaching it— not compelling 
it. ^'God gave his only Son that whom- 
soever believeth on him shall not 
perish J ^ It did not give any particular 
day for accepting Christ except— now 
is the accepted time. It is a matter of 
your own choice. He did not exclude 
anyone, or point out any particular one 
except Christ; whomsoever will may 
come. Simply get your heart right, 
bring forth something to show, (fruits, 
meat for repentance). 

Many set themselves up, or rather 
try to impress the people that they 
are of a special class, selected of God 
and chosen of Christ to teach the Gos- 
pel, and they also pretend to be par- 
takers of divinity. Thus, enabling 

-22— 



them to lead and teach people. Look 
out for pretenders. Then there are 
no doubt those whom are sincere in 
that they teach and try to make the 
people better, but being sincere and 
teaching what you believe does not 
necessarily prove it to be the truth. 
One must be a true lover, then your 
sincerity will go a greater depth and the 
spirit of truth will reveal many things 
that before were unseen. 

Many are very particular about 
figures, stating figures do not lie. 
They trace the bible chronology from 
Adam and Eve in the garden up to 
Christ, and from Christ to the present 
day, and from today over to the last 
chapters of revelations. Many of them 
vary a great deal in their figures, some 
come very close to the same dates, 
others take science and geological 
figures and pronounce the beginning 
far previous to our bible students — 
and the end, Oh, my! There have 
been numerous predictions about the 
end. The world has come to an end 

—23- . 



all ready, many times, according to 
some. Now if we are right minded, 
our hearts are right, our lights trimmed 
and burning, are we not ready when 
the end does come? If it be today or 
tomorrow, and is it not a good lesson 
that the beginning teaches us, whether 
six thousand years have passed or 
twenty thousand, since by Abraham 
and his seed shall all of the families of 
the earth be blessed. God did not give 
his people something so hard to under- 
stand and indefinite that they could 
not become christian or God-fearing 
people, but man hath perverted God's 
teachings, and many have tried to 
make the gospel out as containing a 
great amount of red tape whereby to 
be saved we m.ust bow and scrape to 
them first, and God second. Christ 
said ''He that tries to enter into the 
sheep fold other than by the door is a 
theif and a robber,'^ Christ is the door 
and shepherd and his sheep know his 
voice, and he his sheep, and they shall 
have access and go in and out and find 

—24— 



good pasture. When Christ's disciples 
came to him on Mount of Olives they 
questioned him about the end and 
were desirous of some signs whereby 
to distinguish a second coming, and he 
answered them saying, "ATo man 
knoweth the exact day and hour. No, 
not even the angels of heaven. God 
alone, knoweth.^' Then he spoke of 
the suddenness of the flood, when up 
to the day Noah entered the ark they 
knew not. They were eating and 
drinking, marrying and intermarrying, 
having what they thought a good time, 
going to and fro with all independence 
up to the day Noah entered the ark; so 
he spoke saying, "When you see these 
things the abomination of desolation 
spoken, and such things, shall ye know 
the time is near at hand. God will 
reveal to his faithful servant, meet in 
due season or let him know what is for 
him in due time." 

Many seem under the impression 
that it is simply the amount of hard 
study and much schooling and training 

-25- 



in a set direction. Not so all together, 
but the amount of heart action along 
with our study and works and earnest 
desire, we must be in harmony, a true 
lover of our Lord— Jesus Christ. Many 
make false or bad statements in various 
ways about the birth of Christ, criticis- 
ing his parentage, also about other 
things, the miracles, Jonah and the 
whale, etc., etc. 

Since we believe in God, we believe 
he can give life and sustain life, it was 
a matter of his own choice. Man can- 
not order his own creation. Not many 
need criticise those things they do not 
understand about Jesus Christ, because 
man does not even understand his own 
creation and survivance, let alone that 
of Christ's. Paul said, speaking of the 
old, "The law which was, maketh high 
priests who have infirmities and offer 
up daily sacrifices, first for their own 
sins and then for the sins of the people, 
but the word of the oath which was 
since the law, maketh the son whom is 
consecrated forever more." Christ 

-26— 



came to his own first and they received 
him not, but whomsoever did receive 
him and believed, to them gave he the 
power to become sons of God. It did 
not say that he elected them to sons of 
God, but he gave them the power to 
become so if they so desired through 
faith and works, or through continued 
good work could they become so. 
Through Christ only would it be pos- 
sible to become sons of God. Do we 
get something for nothing? Could a 
person attain to any great height or 
moral standing or any other good line 
without an effort? 

Christ was delivered for our 
offenses and raised again for our justi- 
fication, as by Adam's transgression 
sin and death came into the world, so 
by Christ and his righteousness being 
perfect, shall grace abound much more 
and forever to those who obey and love 
him or accept him and his teachings, but 
what about those whom believe him not, 
love him not and do wickedness? They 
must be serving in an opposite direc- 

-27- 



tion from good; they must be worship- 
ing other than God and their works 
will be of no avail when counted for 
good. They worship the idol, the sun, 
the moon, mammon, sticks and stones 
and bones of the dead. How about 
this class at death, will they be ushered 
into heaven? Would they be allowed 
such a glory as to be made spiritual as 
was Christ? Would they be crowned 
in that way for their bad actions? No, 
flesh and blood shall not enter— nothing 
corruptable; common sense tells us 
that, as well as the bible. John said, 
''Christ will gather his wheat into the 
garner and separate the good from the 
bad, and the bad would be burned with 
unquenchable fire, or in other words be 
destroyed, disolved or consumed. If 
destroyed of God, would it not be as 
by unquenchable fire, since no power 
could stay his hand, or check or alter 
his course, would not the destruction 
be forever and ever as far as this life 
or dispensation was concerned; and in 
referring to a dispensation at the end 

-28- 



of which might be death from which 
there is no resurrection. But the good, 
the righteous, how about them? God 
said, ''There are none Just,'^ i. e., not 
wholly good or righteous. He did not 
say that no one did any good, or that 
good actions on the part of some did 
not take place. Christ said, "A little 
leven leveneth the whole loaf J' Now, 
let us not usher ourselves into heaven 
in a hurry or before God counts us 
worthy, or we are apt to fall short of 
the blessing on the grounds that we 
are not worthy and find not grace in 
his sight. For we must prove our- 
selves worthy of acceptance through a 
continuance of faith along with works 
and hope. Then it looks as though it 
is a matter of our work and continu- 
ance in good action for which Christ 
rewards according to his own judg- 
ment which is a righteous judgment, 
where we are to go or be placed, in 
what state or position, whether con- 
scious or asleep or without a conscious 
existence ; whether worthy of heaven and 

—29— 



spiritual natures is a matter of his own 
directionship which power is his. He 
is on the right hand of God. Some 
appear to know right where and in 
what state they are to be placed, but 
Christ and God alone know, as far as 
we know, but if ye do well, will it not 
be accepted also? He said you should 
love God with all your heart, mind and 
soul, or i. e., a true love, a full love, 
which we will never be able to render 
until we have fully or wholly conse- 
crated our lives to him. Not like many 
have taught, not knowing what to do 
with a heathen, wild man who knows 
not of Christ, who has been taught a 
different one to worship from child- 
hood up, the molten calf, the image, 
the moon, the sun and stars, 
Mohammed, etc., so they (some) con- 
demn him to everlasting torment, 
(bearing in mind the continual torment 
forever and ever) making no conces- 
sions for the poor being at all. Not 
even extending the mercy of God, let 
alone man. This you would not do, 

—30- 



neither would God. It looks as though 
God had made a proviso for all of these 
whom he chose for the weak and falter- 
ing, for the babe and others through 
ChriwSt Jesus, the only mediator be- 
tween man and God. They will be 
brought or taught or trained in that 
which is good and true of Christ who 
will come and take charge of all things 
and subdue all things and bring them 
under his feet, then will they be 
brought to a knowledge of the truth. 
At resurrection or awakening, or being 
brought to conscience existence they 
may have a much better chance as be- 
ing under a direct, correct and right- 
eous directionship, or it may be given 
him more things innate, being brought 
anew, and where others cannot inter- 
fere with his right action. Either the 
past will be the case or you would 
crown and reward them for their 
action by making them spiritual, or 
make them spiritual and torment them 
all forever and ever, but as we are 
now, fire would destroy quickly and 

—31— 



our feelings would be naught after 
being destroyed. What kind of an 
idea have we got, anyhow, of spiritu- 
ality? It surely cannot be of flesh 
and blood, because Christ became a 
spiritual being, angels must be spiritual. 
Christ said, speaking of the resurrec- 
tion, "He that is accounted worthy of 
that world shall be equal to the angels 
and shall be called the children of God, 
they shall know no death, they have 
life eternal." So they must be spiritual. 
Again he said, "God is a God of the liv- 
ing, speaking of Moses when he spoke 
of God as the God of Abraham, 
Isaac and Jacob." And those who are 
not worthy, what of them? All will 
not be worthy of that resurrection of 
which he spoke, or all would be equal 
to angels, and being spiritual, of no 
death. It was said of the reaper: "He 
would burn the chaff with unquench- 
able fire," i. e., a fire not quenched 
until it had served its purpose or 
destroyed — speaking of fire, merely 
meaning destruction or death. Now 

--32- 



if he causes or pronounces death as the 
penalty for sin, and we have all sinned, 
so in Christ shall all be made alive or to 
live again. Paul explains clearly, say- 
ing, '^As in Adam all die, so in Christ 
shall all be brought to life, or if through 
Adam sin abound how much more shall 
grace abound in Christ." 

I think a great many make a mis- 
take or give a wrong impresssion about 
where the bible speaks, using the terms, 
"Hell, fire, brimstone, and also the 
bottomless pit and everlasting tor- 
ment.'' They seem of the idea that 
God, this God to whom they attribute 
so much love and justice as holding in 
a conscience existence, or partly so, 
those whom he judges as not worthy, 
or those who go to "Hell and torture," 
or keeps them in an everlasting suffer- 
ing and torment. No doubt if you 
read scripture with such an impression 
or opinion of God's judging, you will 
find scripture to back your views, but 
look again where it says the last enemy 
to be desroyed is death, and also in 

-33- 



the last book where it says all tears 
shall pass, there will be no more sor- 
row, pain nor death, for the former 
things would have passed away. I 
have no doubt, but the destruction of 
Sodom and Gomora will be present in 
the minds of the people forever and 
ever, and the smoke will arise in the 
minds of those present at that time 
upon their resurrection and stay in 
everlasting remembrance of their 
destruction. One, upon being asked, 
*Whom retains and sustains life?'' will 
answer almost without giving thought, 
"God." Then if asked, "If a loving 
God sustains and retains life in such as 
are disobedient in an everlasting tor- 
ment?'' in the view they have of the 
word "torment," they stutter out an 
answer, showing doubt. 

The bible does not necessarily say 
that all of those who are brought to 
life shall have eternal life, or be 
destined to the bottomless pit which 
means death forever, or forever dead, 
destroyed, of no conscience or life. 

—34- 



We would not do this. Christ surely 
means that all whom die, ignorant of 
Him, the infant, feeble-minded, dis- 
heartened, or those who have been 
taught contrary to his teachings, those 
born weak in mind as well as body, and 
have been easily led astray, according 
to his own judgment shall be brought 
under his own directionship and taught 
the truth. Either this, or you would 
have a vast number destroyed, never 
to have an opportunity. This would be 
an injustice to those who have not 
been brought to a knowledge of Christ, 
so it is his choice of what state, condi- 
tion, or position you will be placed, not 
yours or mine. 

There seems a double meaning to 
many bible statements, if one would 
take it so, yet the meaning is one way. 
Fear not Satin, but rather God, who is 
able to destroy both body and soul, 
destroy — meaning do away with. If 
you cleave to Christ, Satan has no 
power over you, and therein do you 
assist in binding him, or in binding up 

-85— 



sin, the enemy and adversary. You 
do not mean to be afraid of God's 
acquaintance, but rather to fear to do 
wrong. If you were my son, and I 
were to say to you: "John, if you eat 
one of those apples of the tree in our 
garden I will put you into a pit, or fire 
and keep you there in an everlasting 
suffering existence/' Do you think 
you would credit my statement or be- 
lieve me? Surely if you did actually 
believe I would carry out my intentions, 
you would not eat the apple. No, 
God said, 'They (Adam and Eve) 
would die," and from all statements 
that is what they did. Since the bible 
says: ''He lived nine hundred and 
thirty years." If he did not die at 
that age it would have given his age as 
farther on. 



—36- 



CHAPTER II. 

TRUE LOVE. 

When Christ spoke in parables 
he thanked God that he had made the 
truth known to the meek and lowly, or 
babes, as he termed it, instead of the 
wise and prudent, i. e., speaking of 
those whom were worldly-wise and 
prudent. John spake of Christ, say- 
ing, "He will come with clouds and 
every eye shall see him, even those who 
pierced him, and all kindred of the 
earth shall wail because of him." Has 
anything of this kind yet taken place, 
and if every eye shall see him or his 
workings and proceedings, then it 
must be that they are to be brought 
forth, as is stated in revelations— ''The 
sea shall deliver its dead, and they 
shall come forth from their graves and 

-37- 



be judged each according to their 
deeds?" Many look forward to the 
time thinking that they might behold 
him at his coming in the form of man 
or image surrounded by many clouds, 
and various ideas exist as regards to 
how he will appear, while Christ 
said to his chosen, "I am with you 
always, even unto the end, where two 
or more are gathered in my name I am 
in your midst." Whom sayeth he is 
not present? Can you not realize his 
presence if you desire his presence at 
heart? Can you not find it? He said, 
"Come unto me all ye that labor and 
are heavy laden and I will give you 
rest, my yoke is easy and my burden 
light." 

Many of us picture heaven, often 
you will hear a discourse on heaven by 
someone, of course, quoting scripture 
in regard to this subject they make 
divisions with imaginary drawings, 
lines or a large wall, picturing heaven 
as above and hell as below. Yes, we 
find many different ideas about heaven 

—38- 



and hell and most of them are guessed 
at. Some, perhaps, have a vague idea 
of heaven, but being human it must be 
a very vague idea and certainly will be 
beyond our expectations when we do 
learn more of the true meaning of the 
words "Heaven" and "Heavenly/' 
There will be a time when all will know 
his presence, and many will take coun- 
cil of him. "Forbid them not to come 
unto me, for of such is the kingdom of 
heaven," said he, speaking of the inno- 
cent childhood, of innocence and purity. 
Men fear God and love God. They 
should fear to do wrong and love to do 
good, i. e., to fear and to love him. 
Love driveth away cowardice — the fear 
of man. A coward cannot love God in 
a full sense, for love driveth away such 
fear. Would we crucify Christ anew? 
Yes, by non-acceptance or by not doing 
or acting as he would have us. Our 
actions reveal to what extent we are 
christians or how far we believe in 
Christ. It may not reveal it to you or 
to me at once, but Christ knows his 

—39- 



own sheep and they readily discern 
their shepherd's voice. Many people 
when they make up their mind to 
change their ways for the better get 
in a great hurry all at once. Someone 
shouts out at the church meeting, or 
elsewhere, "Come forward! Come for- 
ward and be saved before it is ever- 
lastingly too late,'' and up the person 
jumps and goes forward to the altar 
and kneels down in prayer while some- 
one moans or groans in their ear. 
Some shout, some jump and throw 
themselves about without going about 
the matter in a thoughtful manner. 
They, like some fish, gobble the first 
bate that comes their way without 
once thinking of how or whom, without 
any reference to the bible which tells 
how Christ would have them enter the 
fold, but ever ready to grab at any- 
thing that looks easy. Many claim to 
back trace history and bible chronology, 
and find therein; (from the new testa- 
ment) by following the apostles of 
Christ and their teachings, and also 

-40— 



claim to take up (a continuation of that 
commission after going back perhaps 
sixteen or eighteen hundred years to 
find out these things) (this claim they 
might all go back and find), and teach 
the same teachings where or when the 
apostles left off, and in their own light 
prove it satisfactory to their own minds, 
but the trouble arises how to prove it 
to the others whom, of course, have a 
special commission of their own found 
in like manner, or it may be different. 
Some going back into prophecy, per- 
haps, and finding where it points to 
them individually. It was too bad 
that it did not come right out and state 
in plain words that thou (assumed term 
or name) aside from those who were 
his personal acquaintances or followers 
are commissioned to deliver my mes- 
sage and save the people from their 
sins, or intercede for them and deliver 
them over to the father. 

This is too much of a good thing. 
Like some say, if you believe and have 
faith you may be healed of various 

—41— 



ailments. First you must believe 
them and of their power as being 
divinely commissioned. This belief, 
like many others, to my notion, is 
entertained by people whom either 
want to gain for themselves in this 
day, and by people v/hom will believe 
almost anything that comes from a 
much learned class, as they state ^'be- 
cause they would go back and find it 
for them,'' and, of course, after devot- 
ing much time and study and figuring 
they would concoct a belief for many 
to believe, and so they claim to per- 
form miracles and do many things in 
the name of the Lord, and many be- 
lieve them. I think that even in this 
day there are many who could go back 
and find a ground (their own ground- 
ing) and point out to many where it is 
in the bible, i. e., start a new church, 
form a new idea and have many follow- 
ers. Just because he was a D. D. or 
a very learned historian or theologist. 
Nearly all whom are believers in 
the bible statements acknowledge that 

—42— 



the first person (Adam) transgressed, 
and on account of his trangression, was 
sent forth from the garden and death 
was the consequence of sin as aforesaid 
by God. They also believe that their 
sins were or are visited upon the chil- 
dren from their time down, and from 
what we read nearly all of whom be- 
lieve—believe God's promises to 
Abraham and the different sacrifices 
and teachings as pointing to a deliverer, 
a restorer and a true sacrifice, a per- 
fect sacrifice and a complete sacrifice; 
being perfect was being able to render 
a full and complete sacrifice, a full and 
complete atonement for all. 

Now if sin followed and marked 
the path of all, and stained their hands 
and conscience, when called to death, 
would it not cut short the atonement 
and sacrifice to state it not sufficient 
to restore all to life and restore their 
fallen conditions to a perfect state? 
Quoted Paul, "Since through Adam 
sin entered the world how much more 
shall grace abound through Christ?" 

—43- 



It was with his blood ye are bought 
with a price, a full price back to life 
from the grave. Now if many of the 
different creeds and forms, or people 
whom wish to convey to many the 
idea that they must accept this, that 
and the other form according to their 
idea as regard to a belief of theirs, 
they must ignore good common sense, 
as well as many plain statements in 
the bible. Although many of their 
teachings are good and would help 
many to better. 

If some take a single verse or 
statement as that of the fruit that 
Adam did eat and pronounce it an 
actual literal fruit with seed, core and 
pealing which our parents did take and 
eat, then they must also say that the 
tree of life meant what? What kind 
of a tree? Also the tree of knowledge, 
of good and evil? If some take such 
statements and make different state- 
ments, then others surely have a right 
to take other statements and accept 
and conform their life to Christ, or as 

—44— 



near so as they can. Out of the ground 
God caused to grow all the trees that 
were pleasant to the sight and good 
for food, the tree of life also in the 
midst of the garden, and the tree of 
knowledge of good and evil 

It seems He, God, spoke to Adam 
saying of the trees of the garden, 
'Te may eat except of the tree in the 
midst of the garden. Ye shall not eat." 
So also Eve tells Satin in like manner— 
*^We may eat of the trees of the gar- 
den freely, but of the tree which is in 
the midst we must not eat, neither 
shall we touch, for God has said, ^in 
the day thou eatest thereof ye shall 
surely die/" Eve, speaking of eating 
of the fruit of the tree — I (the writer) 
merely speak of the fruit of the tree, 
lest someone who might want to be as 
exacting on this statement as they are 
on some others, might say that they 
eat of the tree, as God spoke to Adam. 
You might call it a wilful diso- 
bedience or a partial disobedience on 
the part of our early parents, Adam 

-45— 



and Eve, or one might say they were 
enticed or tempted to a certain extent, 
that they yielded and disobeyed God. 
Nevertheless, its looks very natural 
that Eve, being the weaker sex, should 
lay it onto the serpent, and also how 
very much like man to lay the blame 
on woman, which he, as a rule tries 
much to do — lays all the failings on the 
woman. Man should not do this. Man 
must go forth cutting all ties from him- 
self which bind and have a downward 
tendency and lift up womanhood and 
administer to them things of real 
worth— Real True Love. 

The fact that God has permitted 
us to go on in our sinful way all this 
time since Adam and Eve, seems to me 
as a good evidence that he will not 
destroy entirely the greater part of us 
or sentence us to an all time punish- 
ment. It looks as though he had a 
purpose in forming all things, a good 
purpose. If on the other hand when 
God knew Adam would sin, and did 
sin, or disobey God, why did he not put 

-46- 



an end to him, or why did he create 
him? Surely not for naught. If God 
had not created man, he would not 
have had to have subjected him or 
them to that ever tormented state of 
which some teach. No, he even made 
a covering for their nakedness. 

Such a stanza as ''God so gave his 
son that whomsoever believeth on him 
might have everlasting life and not 
perish.'^ This is indeed a very plain 
statement, and I positively believe it, 
and if one loves God and Christ with 
all his heart then will he do his com- 
mandments which is this— ''Ye shall 
love God with all your heart, mind and 
soul, and your neighbor likewise. " This 
is rendering all and all to him. Love 
not only your near neighbor across the 
street, but those neighbors apart and 
far off also, and actions take place or 
follow immediately since you have thus 
learned to love. Many make state- 
ments about Luther and find in his 
career much fault and claim much 
against his character, yet we find ac- 

—47— 



cording to history his statements about 
his belief when asked to retract, saying 
^^I cannot unless I find in God's word 
some revelation that which will change 
my views I cannot deny my own con- 
science and go against Christ.'' 

Upon saying he (Christ) has given 
his life for a complete and full atton- 
ment for all, we mean all shall live 
again, be brought from the grave, but 
all may not be favored with an ever- 
lasting life. It may be there will be 
some whom will at sometime after be- 
ing brought to life may revolt or go 
contrary, but we feel that the sacrifice 
has paid for a full and complete res- 
toration of the first in the first of that 
garden and the perfect Adam. In this 
wise— if I offer and do pay your way 
into a show or entertainment I pay the 
price of admission, you are not neces- 
sarily compelled to stay in during the 
whole performance, yet I paid the full 
price and we have the liberty of seeing 
the whole performance. It is a matter 
of your acceptance and Christ's right- 

-48- 



eous judgment. In this wise — "God 
gave his son that whomsoever believe 
on him might have everlasting life''. 

It does not appear to me that all 
will gain everlasting life immediately 
following their resurrection, but will 
be taught and gradually learn more 
and more of the the things that are 
good if they be willing, and at the said 
time, or his time will be as it were on 
trial for themselves, individually. Not 
being hindered by others, since all will 
be taught by Christ. He will be the 
instructor, or the head instructor. 
Now speaking of those whom Christ 
and Paul spoke as of those whom shall 
be chosen, those tried, or in their time 
whom proved themselves worthy, as 
Paul said, "We know we shall be like 
him if proven, or in his likeness''. 
Those, the first begotten, or the first 
fruits. These will be, it looks, to reign 
with Christ and help in the time of 
restitution, to bless all mankind or do 
for all people what they can to perfect 
them. This idea of teaching and try- 

—49— 



ing or of gradually uplifting mankind 
looks to me sensible. Since it gives 
each one an individual trial and ac- 
ceptance and chance to grow stronger 
gradually step by step, and not taking 
of the many who have practiced deceit 
and are living the bad life here and 
crowning them. Many seem impressed 
of a strange idea of extending mercy 
and grace to those whom they judge as 
good, and would deliver them over to 
God, and the balance of mankind to 
Satan (hell) — forgetting their partial 
responsibility for their brothers' con- 
dition. If we stop and see, hear and 
feel for those whom we find in miser- 
able circumstances; for example— The 
child raised of a parentage whom care 
not for its m.oral welfare, using bad 
and profane language, teaching them 
to lie and steal, encouraging them in 
being cute and deceptive, raised per- 
haps surrounded by uncleanliness, 
many of such do not see the blossom of 
the rose as others do, all through life 
they go in this careless, unclean way, 

-50- 



finding many only to encourage them 
into it. Then should we not extend to 
such and many whom have not had a 
chance, a personal chance, under a per- 
fect teacher and ruler, would we make 
them subject wholly to our imperfect 
and failing directions? If some people, 
or set of people could only get the rest 
of the people or all to accept their 
views all at once, then they think the 
thing would be settled and perfected 
and the consumption of all things 
would be, i. e., of this world. Now, 
the fact is, all the people will not be- 
lieve the same thing at the same time, 
and you would not surely condemn and 
subject those that do not believe and 
teach as you do to an everlasting pun- 
ishment unless you ignore good com- 
mon sense, which many of us ignore 
when trying to teach others. 

(I make no statements with regard 
to what I know, simply stating what I 
believe.) It is a matter of belief and 
faith in Father and Son to my opinion. 
Those whom would persecute, torment 

—51— 



and put to death others on account of 
rehgious belief, are wrong and possess 
no Christianity and do not possess or 
carry out the instructions of Christ. 

EXAMPLE. 

The vessel at sea comes into a 
storm; the passengers begin to fear; 
she is tossed about like a feather and 
becomes more or less disabled; they 
fear the more; her masts are broken 
and she springs a leak; more doubt as 
to whether or not they will survive 
the storm; almost to give up all hope, 
and after much repairing and hard- 
ship, managing to keep afloat; the gale 
abates slightly, a cause for some hope; 
finally a calm; more hope, and after 
some time they sight land or a rescue 
and are brought into harbor, and nearly 
all on board say, "We are saved,'' and 
so in a like manner when we enter 
God's harbor, "We are saved." 
(Therefore gradually nearing the har- 
bor we strive and battle against the 
gale.) Many of us make up our minds 

-52— 



to lead a better life, and straight way 
join a religious order, church or society, 
and after complying with their terms 
and more or less pledging and vowing, 
we state, "We are saved/' This looks 
more sensible to me when we accept 
Christ, i. e., what he has done for us 
and conform our lives to that of his; 
more and more as we gain heart and 
feeling, gradually overcoming and do- 
ing away with sin, that we are on the 
road, or as it was with the vessel, 
nearing the harbor. 

The question at hand is and may 
be asked of anyone. If the person 
whomsoever being repentant and will- 
ing to make right, kneel and pray to 
God for his forgiveness of his sins, 
does not God forgive that person? No 
one dare say, "No,'' or we ask, "Why 
pray? " And if ye say, "Yes," then we 
say, "Why necessary to go elsewhere 
than to God in prayer? " 

The son disobeys the parent 
(father) and finally comes and asks for- 
giveness, being sorry and repentant 

—53- 



and ready to make right, does the 
father who is kind and thoughtful say, 
**No, I cannot forgive you my son, you 
must go over to Mr. Thompson and ask 
him and he will bring you before me?'' 
Well, the boy says, "What has Mr. 
Thompson got to do with it, I dis- 
obeyed your command/' No, the 
father does not direct his son in this 
way, and you know it. Now, if our 
parent can overlook our failings and 
wrong doings, disobedience, does not 
God whom not only giveth life, but 
also sustains it, forgive? 

There are so many whom like to 
make out part of the bible as where 
speaking of literal things and in 
parables, i. e., that part speaking of 
sheep, wheat, chaff, swords, stones, 
flaming swords, flesh, fire everlasting, 
fruit, and worlds. In other words, 
literal where they say and pertaining 
to spiritual and the unseen where they 
determine. The teachings and proph- 
ecy of the Old Testament seem as 
pointing to Christ as one to come and 

-54— 



restore and redeem the race, and the 
New Testament as the fulfillment of 
the same prophecy, and it seems as 
though the Jews understood him not, 
at least the greater part of them. It 
was largely on account of their 
prejudicy and lack of faith, which 
faith would not come only by love and 
lack of sinfulness. This lack of faith 
deadened their senses to a large extent, 
being brought the old way. A few 
whom had followed Christ noted in 
him a simplicity, truthfulness, and a 
purity as of God — and through what 
Christ imparted and taught them 
gained the keys to the prophecies 
which were more fully understood by 
them after their fulfillment, (Christ's 
crucifixion and ascension.) There are 
many among us of the idea of the in- 
spired revelation of scripture, thus: 
That those writers as being inspired or 
rather forced to write under direct 
spiritual instruction and could not 
have written otherwise if they wanted 
to. The fact is, if a thought gained 

-55- 



by faith, love and keen observance, be- 
came known to those writers would 
such a person willfully print an 
untruth, and what would be the 
object in so doing? It might be they 
may have made a few slight mistakes, 
being like the rest of humans, and apt 
to make mistakes, as we are even in 
this day. But there are a few of 
course, whom know all about whereof 
they speak. Some of such can tell us 
all about Satan and the present evil 
condition. When asked about the 
severe storms, cyclones, tornadoes as 
well as earthquakes, volcanoes, etc., 
they go back and find it for you, stat- 
ing, "Why, this is the actions of Satan 
(the devil) and that he is given control 
of the elements, or some of them; of 
the atmosphere, or at least to some 
extent." They only quote one side of 
the story, and do it in a way to so im- 
press one that you fail to look farther 
or reason for yourself. If the said 
theory be so, would it not look reason- 
able to ask why Satan and his storms 

--56- 



show no partiality; why does he not 
cause his storms and bad elements to 
destroy only the good, or rather those 
whom desire and teach good. Then 
too, if so be it, it would look very 
much as though God whom created all 
things and put all things into action 
according to the first statement of the 
bible, is in participation with Satan, 
permitting him to create bad storms, 
etc., to strike the people here and there 
and use the elements to some extent 
to his own taste. This story sounds 
very much like a fable of some child's 
imagination, that to swallow some 
such you must shut your eyes and say, 
"Yes, its true,'' and look no further. 

Now, God made all things and 
made them subject to his own will and 
power, you all believe this, or else your 
God is failing, and could be conquered 
and persuaded. 

"For, since through a man there 
is death; through a man also there is a 
resurrection of the dead. For as by 
Adam all die, so by the anointed also 

—57— 



will all be resurrected to life. That 
now Christ has been raised from the 
dead a first fruit of those having fallen 
asleep." Many believe in a personal 
and spiritual devil (one called Satan) 
and refer largely to the exceeding 
high mountain up which Christ was 
led of this spirit. Now if one went up 
a high mountain, or it be suggested to 
your mind, or you conceive the idea of 
going up a mountain, would this not 
be being led up or so spirited or mind- 
ful, or one's desire? You o'ft times 
say *Tou follow the convictions of your 
own mind wilfully.'' Do we imagine 
that Christ lost control of his own will 
power, or went to sleep and was taken 
by the hand and led up, pushed, mag- 
netized, or hypnotized, and drawn up 
by some power and when placed on top 
of the mountain he was given his own 
reasoning again and rebuked Satan. 
If without his reason it would be an 
unfair trial— Oh, how! Oh, how! Did 
you never desire or conceive the idea 
of going out for a walk, or for roving, 

—58- 



or climbing a mountain if one be 
at hand, for recreation and to rejoice 
in the sight of the morning sun? Was 
this leading desire of yours, of Satan? 
No, you did not think of him, you 
heard of him not, but were so minded, or 
the idea through some of the senses, 
suggested itself. Did you never look 
down from a high point of elevation, 
beholding, perhaps, a large city or ex- 
panse of country, it might be termed a 
kingdom, especially if so ruled by a 
king, and you could call to mind other 
kingdoms, behold them before your 
mind's eye, you look, you behold the 
present appropriated wealth and 
dominion of mankind, stored treasures 
and hoarded money; you see many 
people going to and fro seeking pleas- 
ure; you see intrigue, thievery and 
criminality, and you might say to your- 
self, ^'Get thee hence, Satan," or in 
other words that you do not desire to 
be partaker of such things, you may 
also look and see many good things 
and actions on the part of some. Some 

-59— 



very much up-to-date person might 
say you must not look on the dark side 
of things, you will see such things as 
you look for — very true— look on the 
side that Christ represents and you 
will see all things in perfect harmony, 
you see what you see and hear what 
you hear according to your make up, 
and being honest and recognizing the 
good you will in spite of all, see and 
hear the sinful, or that which is bad, 
as well as the good, you readily discern 
the good from the bad, the clean from 
the unclean. One states, "Get out of 
yourself, live for others, do for others, 
get out and join hands and join our 
different orders, creeds and societies, 
social and beneficial, while in Rome, 
live as Rome,'' while following their very 
next statement they are heard to say, 
^'Sweep your own door step first," and 
he whom enters into an unclean busi- 
ness says, "Every tub stands on its own 
bottom,'' and thus tries to clean his 
conscience. 

-60- 



Whomsoever would be clean must 
practice individual cleanliness, and 
whomsoever would be a christian must 
practice individual cleanliness of body, 
heart and mind, and whomsoever 
would be like Christ must finally by 
continually practicing cleanliness, erad- 
icate sin to that extent so as to become 
acceptable to Christ. Thus: Naught 
proceedeth from the mouth of Christ 
but good, because of a pure heart and 
and mind, a true lover of all things 
good, a despiser of sin and a prayer 
for those entangled therein. Even 
those whom persecuted him, and as it 
appears to me if all be brought to life 
again, if they do not take hold and eat 
of the tree of life (Jesus Christ) in the 
midst of this great garden they would 
be in danger of hell-fire, or in other 
words, everlasting destruction (death) 
from which there is no resurrection, as 
in revelations— 'The last enemy to be 
destroyed is death." Many things 
teach us or tell us, as well as good 
common sense, that we live again. It 

-61— 



would be hard to believe otherwise, or 
we might say, "God can replace, or 
give back life even as Christ raised 
Lazarus from the dead or sleeping, or 
unconscious state, even as the grass 
which dies down in the autumn, shoots 
forth in the spring time, so with all 
trees, etc., etc., which cast their green 
leaves by winter and are recalled by 
spring." How nice it is to stand with 
the majority, to shake hands with 
public sentiment, to recline in their 
chairs of luxury and wealth and in" 
dulge frequently and willingly in those 
things of drink and food, how much 
we pray and read our prayers, pray 
for dry weather, pray for wet weather, 
pray for good crops, pray for wealth, 
pray for health, and .in fact pray for 
what the other man has that we 
haven't, and when we pray thus: "Our 
Lord forgive us our sins," we admit 
ourselves sinners. If one finds at any 
time prayer hard and dry, he had bet- 
ter not pray just then, because his 
heart is not in it. He is not interested 

—62— 



in God's great plan. Prayer should 
and does rest continually on the lips of 
him whom is interested, and he will oft 
times long and sigh for God's will. 
His heart will seem to ache for all 
and he bebomes a servant to all. 
One does not need any special place or 
appointed time to recall God's kind- 
ness. He does not need any blessed 
buildings with great spires of golden 
trimmings in which to worship, nor no 
blessed water to bathe in, which are 
blessed by man. God made all things 
and pronounced them good and he 
blessed them thus — all things are good. 
In connection with the preceding state- 
ments read the seventeenth chapter of 
Acts. Man can find no fault if he 
thinks all things are blessed, life and 
creation, they are all a gift— God made 
all things — and after so doing gave his 
son also. How can one say aught 
against him? In Christ is a temple 
that no man can destroy, a permanent 
abiding place for his children, a place 
of purity, a place wherein abideth the 
ever presence of God. 

-63- 



One can go forth and teach or tell 
all kinds and classes of our Lord and 
how God gave his Son, and how Christ 
gave his life himself and was highly 
exalted and given power in heaven and 
on earth and how he fulfilled all 
righteousness. One accepting this and 
conforming his life to that of Christ 
day by day to the best of his know- 
ledge means better life, cleaner life, 
purer and purer heart action, a gradu- 
ally doing away with sin and Rearing 
toward Christ. How when Christ 
spoke of his former followers, saying 
*'If you have the faith when you pray 
for a thing, believing you receive it, 
so will God grant your prayer. Even 
to the moving of a mountain.'' Yes, 
one might if they had the faith that 
Christ had, which no one has had, be- 
ing all imperfect, for Christ was per- 
fect and also in touch and harmony 
with his father telling of him from his 
heart what he had made known to him 
in person. We have to read to find 
out what we know, and not having the 

—64- 



faith and foreknowledge which Christ 
had and not being perfect, but corrupt 
and imperfect, we will never have that 
perfect faith which Christ had unless 
he (Christ) giveth it to us, which will 
be a favor given through his findings, 
him whom is worthy, he whom suffers 
much and learns of Christ the essential 
things or knowledge to strengthen his 
faith which might be to gain such a 
perfect faith which moveth mountains 
for good through our Lord, Jesus 
Christ, material mountains as well as 
immaterial Christ gave his disciples, 
i. e., those whom followed him and 
suffered with him, the power to cast 
out unclean spirits, or rather unclean 
thoughts and acts, also to heal the sick 
and comfort many in his name, those 
of his personal acquaintance. That 
would look reasonable if you were 
followed daily by men whom shared 
your hardships and were ever ready to 
learn of you and spread your teachings 
you would probably love them and im- 
part to them what you thought to be 

-65— 



a blessing to mankind. This is un- 
selfishness. Many claim these same 
powers, and claim them handed down 
from Christ to the church or by the 
church. Some, even in this day, are of 
the idea that they have supernatural 
powers, or that they are spiritual and 
divine, or at least partly so, and all 
kinds of outlandish claims are put 
forth, and if you will give such an ear 
instead of Christ in whom is given all 
power on earth above and below the 
earth, above all and over all that has 
life, then they can, no doubt, through 
trickery and craft, through magnify- 
ing or working on your imaginative 
force, make you, like many, believe 
much. 




—66- 



CHAPTER III. 



TRUE LOVE. 



Secrecy is one of the greatest 
hinderances that the human race has 
to contend with, and yet it too might 
prove as the old apple, after which we 
eat so long we will become wiser. One 
says, ''Let's organize, in unity there is 
strength,'' which would be true if it 
brought all mankind together for 
Christ. It seems so strange to say, 
"Let's organize," are we not organized, 
and when did we become divided and 
why divided? Can it be possible that 
we, born into the world as we are, and 
being of offspring from the first one 
(Adam), being reared from infancy as 
brothers and sisters, sharing one 
anothers' joys and sorrows, given a 

—67— 



schooling and training, and finally 
when grown to manhood, we say, "Let's 
organize.'' When did we become dis- 
organized? If every man's heart was 
for his fellowman, you would hear no 
more of '^organizing," i. e., secretly 
with unknown, or in other words 
withholding from the people what you 
claim would be to their moral benefit, 
your creeds and forms and many 
ceremonies. If you believe Christ at 
all, then you believe that the people 
will be made subject to his command 
and teachings. Not saying anything 
about our present bad habits and 
standing, I believe that if one tries 
daily to become better and cleaner of 
heart and mind that such a one be- 
comes more Christ-like as he proceeds 
in disarming sin. It is such a person 
that finds himself laying out his 
physical strength and giving his heart 
and mind for the good of those about 
him. Such a person is not bothering 
about spiritual intelligences, realizing 
or believing that our Lord, Jesus 

-68- 



Christ, has power over all intelligences 
and that he will so direct and carry- 
out his work that it be for the good of 
all mankind, and so we are awaiting 
his command which means a move for 
the better. We are not waiting for 
the command from some sect or creed, 
or any other earthly order whom claim 
to be directing the people through 
Christ, but striving with lamps 
trimmed and ready waiting for the 
Lord's command and receiving daily 
that which is necessary to strengthen 
our faith through obedience and which 
is, or which means, conforming our 
life to that of his. We do not entirely 
speak of something with which to fill 
our stomach when speaking of giving 
to eat and drink, but of spiritual, or 
mental, or heart food. Neither do we 
understand when Christ spoke, of 
Peter, saying, ^'Thou art a rock,'' that 
he is a literal or actual rock, but of the 
likeness of a rock, a substantial founda- 
tion on which to build, and that 
foundation has no other laid than 
Christ (Christ himself is that founda- 
tion). 

-^69- 



[Verse as quoted by Shaler G. Hillyer.] 

They told me wealth was all in all, and then, 
With greed that comes alone to famished men, 
I strove for wealth; by day and night I toiled, 
Nor recked how others fared, what hopes were 

spoiled. 
And when 'twas gained I stopped to count my 

store. 
To count, exult, and, eager, wish it more; 
But as each piece fell on the vault's hard stone, 
Mixed with its ring I heard a human groan. 
I started up from the accusing pile. 
Now worse than vain, that did so late beguile ! 

They told me pleasure was the chief est good, 
And so I followed wheresoever she would; 
Wnere light feet led, where mocking lips allured. 
And black eyes told my hopes were half assured. 
When all was gained, then blight fell on my isle — 
I had been dreaming on a wanton's smile. 

They told me only knowledge was divine. 
And so I strove straightway to make it mine. 
I read all books, held converse with the wise. 
Traveled all lands, and searched the distant skies. 
Then, standing on the edge of Learning's sea, 
I heard the breakers calling thus to me: 
* *In vain, O man, my depths thou wouldst explore; 
Thy soundings all lie close within the shore." 

Wealth, Pleasure, Knowledge, all in turn were 

tried. 
Yet in the dust it seemed I must abide. 

A spirit came and whispered in my ear. 
And raised me up; then led me to a height 
From which we had a vision far and clear 
Of all the world, its peace and joy and light. 
The spirit said: '*If thou wilt follow me, 
Wilt seek not self, but look beyond, above, 
All that thou seest will I give to thee." 
I raised my eyes— the spirit's name was Love. 

—70— 



I do not believe that a man of 
good repute, or one who loves his Lord 
and Master will within himself deny 
this question, if asked, "If one acknowl- 
edging Christ and believing in him, 
being willing to submit his life to God's 
care, striving daily to become purer 
and more Christ-like, does not God so 
direct such a one and guide him into 
a haven of rest and contentment?" I 
believe we drink of the blood of Christ 
daily in that we accept him and the 
redemptive power of his blood. We do 
eat of his flesh, in that we accept what 
he did for us. He gave his physical 
being, rendering day by day a service 
such as no man has been able to render. 
So do we accept these things and par- 
take of them as we give to him drink 
when he is athirst and food when an 
hungered. Christ might have said: 
This is my blood, or this is the cup 
of the New Testament of my blood, 
or this is my blood of the New Testa- 
ment, as expressed in different ways 
by different writers, or it might have 

—71- 



been so. We all understand, or many 
of us, that the fact that Christ gave 
his life (here and commended his life 
or being to God's care or the continua- 
tion of life on a new plain) was the 
establishment of the New Testament 
and the means of redemption, so he 
came with his disciples and did give to 
them to drink of the wine and did 
break the bread and gave it to them 
also. It looks to me as though Christ 
when he knew his time was close at 
hand, called together his apostles and 
performed the service so that they 
would always bear in mind and take 
part in him after his crucifixion or 
when he was not with them visibly 
that they would accept the fact of his 
blood being shed and his flesh being 
given for the world, yet I believe that 
after his change he had the power to 
assume his former appearance as in 
the flesh (he was all powerful). 

These facts would establish the new 
order of things, making access for 
those whom would likewise drink in 

—72- 



and eat, or in other words accept the 
fact that through him they were to be 
redeemed through his blood. Thus do 
we partake of his flesh and blood, as 
we conform our lives to his by bearing 
with him by loving all, by giving up 
all. This would be partaking of him, 
and so we become a part of him, if so 
be, we find grace in his sight and he 
giveth to us we have thus become part 
of him, or when a thing is attached to 
another in working order and harmony 
it becomes a part of it, so are the mem- 
bers one in Christ. There were those 
whom did ridicule his saying, ''I will 
give my blood." He did give his 
blood, it was shed on the cross for 
them. 

Christ also spoke of life— giving 
water to the Samaritan woman whom 
he met at the well, formally Jacob's 
well, while on his journey towards 
Galilee. Not such water as that of the 
well, but a water which giveth life 
everlasting. Although Christ said 
water, and if one wanted to be head- 

—73- 



strong they might also take water and 
claim it to be that same water which 
Christ referred to when speaking to 
the woman at the well. So one might 
also claim a fruit of life giving 
qualities, but I take it that God's word 
is food and drink, (a life giving food 
and drink.) This is the water which 
Christ referred to for he came to tell 
of his Father in heaven. If I were to 
come to you or approach you proclaim- 
ing God as my Father and stating that 
what I knew as being from God, would 
you believe me? Let anyone ask them- 
selves whom their Father is and of 
whom their belief is? I believe that 
God reveals the truth to whom he 
chooses and whom he chooses is cer- 
tainly worthy or at least finds grace in 
his sight. And when Christ spoke to 
some, saying, "Ye know not the 
Father, neither are ye of the Father," 
he did not mean in one sense that God 
was not the Father of all, but that they 
were not aquainted with his ways and 
were not living as God would have 

-74— 



them, and so the truth had not been 
revealed to them. Christ meant I 
think that God was not the Father of 
such unbelief or sinfulness. 

Hear, now, all ye whom have 
followed the precepts of the law, old or 
new, drop that sword, for it is surely no 
weapon for a christian, and since 
Christ desired that all become christian, 
all should drop it, or else, he said, ^Te 
shall fall by it,'' all persecution belongs 
to the sword kind. The swords of the 
christian have been beaten to plough 
shares, and the law by which they 
abide is the law of reason, an eternal 
law which was by Christ the law of 
love, the law of reason, light and truth, 
the law that resists no evil by violence, 
but return good for evil, for he prayed 
for his enemies and endured their 
slurs without resentment. The earthly 
law does not entirely prevent one from 
sinning, because we all know that none 
have been perfected by it, in many 
cases it licenses wrong doings and sin- 
ful and distasteful communities. Many 

-75- 



cases have been cited where those 
framing the law have been bad, very- 
bad, but this law of ^^Christ's Love" 
will eventually have a cleaning effect 
and will purge every sinful thing. 

One states, "If I have naught for 
protection, thieves will murder me, 
and carry off that which I have." 
Christ said, "Lay up your treasures in 
heaven where thieves cannot break in 
and steal, and rust and dust does not 
corrupt." No, what we have is of God, 
and our redemption of Christ. If you 
are found in Christ you need not fear 
for he is your shield and also your 
reward. Daniel had no fear of the 
lions, and they harmed him not, but 
all this lack of fear is through Christ 
and not of one's self. We are wholly 
dependent upon him, and through him 
gain access and learn of him. Many 
say, "But what are we to do, since we 
are here and have our laws by which 
we must abide, and if the enemy attack 
us, with what shall we protect our- 
selves and lives?" So we have our 

—76- 



people training and drilling with sword 
and gun. Did you ever stop in front 
of a pawn shop and note the different 
things for defense; the slug, knuckles, 
pistols and various weapons for sale 
with which to injure, or kill if you 
wish? In order to know how out of 
place these things are, place a history 
of the life of Christ in your midst then 
stop and question their right. Now 
the appeal is to you personally when 
such ideas come to your mind and you 
cannot consistently take up arms 
against your brother. That eternal 
law, which is love, fulfills all righteous- 
ness, and Christ is the author, a fore- 
runner, and Christ was the fulfillment 
of the early or Mossiac law. In that 
he obeyed the commandments of God, 
and he also gave to us the law of love 
which was the fulfillment and which 
does not even permit of anger, and 
does not verse a brother as a fool. 
Some claim that Satan has the power 
to entice or direct some into evil or 
bad ways to their downfiall, yet mak- 

—77— 



ing no allowance for Christ being able to 
uplift and protect one's life, also do they 
admit God's care of the sparrow, yet fail 
to see wherein he takes greater care of 
man, since man is more to him than 
many sparrows. When we pick up 
arms of any kind with which to injure 
therein is the acknowledgment of fail- 
ure and weakness. We are thereby 
made dependent upon self, and when 
dependent upon self we fail. Christ 
was no failure; he had faith in the 
Father, whom did shield him and even 
when a babe did direct him into Egypt 
out of the hands of Herod, and when 
Christ was crucified his life went on. 
We might say he gave himself, or God 
so gave his son, or speaking of his life 
here on earth, he gave it up, and in 
that sense he died, he gave his flesh 
and blood, but life itself, which is of 
God, or eternal life, went on. Thus 
we speak of not being under or subject 
to the law, only as we do act or do 
justice towards others do we enter the 
eternal law (love), and we are released 

—78- 



from this earthly law through Christ. 
We must be right before God. Let me 
explain what I mean. (Read of the 
boat coming to harbor — previously 
mentioned). You may recall the time 
when you were angered at some one, 
at the same time raising your hand to 
strike, or you may have struck some 
one, after which action you could see 
how easy it was to be brought to law. 
Thus you become under, or subject to 
the law, or subject to the earthly law 
by disobeying God's law of love, the 
eternal law of God's for men through 
Christ, and God could not support you 
in bad action. Religious liberty is a 
great thing since it gives one a chance 
to determine for one's self. It gives 
one a free choice, and this is just what 
Christ did. He did not try to force 
anyone to his belief of the Father. It 
seems as though it was his purpose 
that after wars and domineering of 
the high-handed that his chosen people 
should be freed in order that they 
might come to his great light and 

-79— 



truth. So with the children of Israel 
after being in bondage they were le^l 
out of Egypt and cared for along their 
journey by God, led through between 
the waters of the Red Sea, fed manna 
and instructed of God. And in similar 
manner to that of the Egyptians, those 
whom have under their hand and do 
domineer over things will begin to 
quake with fear when they find no 
refuge, thus will they call for the 
mountains to cover them and will seek 
shelter— (Men sleep— Christ delivers 
his own). In this wise God gave life 
or breathed into your nostrils the 
breath of life as stated. He surely has 
the power to take back what he gave, 
or retain, or hold in subjection, or to 
hold in unconsciousness or sleep, or to 
destroy entirely. Certainly you believe 
that the life of Christ went on, or if 
Christ be not raised then is our hope 
in vain. Christ states, "li you lose 
your life, this life for his sake, then 
would you gain life (life eternal), and 
if you would seek a worldly life here 

-80- 



(on earth) then would you lose life 
(life eternal)/' or in other words lose 
the right to life eternal. It did not 
mean you would never live again. Ye 
must be born again, born of the spirit, 
then life through Christ goes on and on. 
The great men whom led in 
worldly affairs, whom fought and bled 
for freedom's cause, many of whom had 
many good traits, among these are 
those whom you highly prize, those 
men, perhaps, saw no other way out of 
the difficulty other than to fight, it 
may not have been for them because 
God chooses whom he will and those 
whom he chooses are certainly proven 
worthy. Note how the well of water 
was pointed out to Hagar that she 
might save Ishmael. God has a pur- 
pose. How, also, he led the children of 
Israel; how he also chooses those whom 
work in his vineyard and pays them to 
his own choice. Shall one dictate to 
his master? Note the action of David 
also, as a type of Christ. How much 
God has done for his people and how 

-81- 



much has been permitted for their 
final good, they were started out in a 
perfect state, and were given all things 
for their good, but they failed. They 
were administered to by angels, still 
they failed, they were ruled by Kings, 
still they failed, and finally the Son 
came whom left his former estate with 
the Father, and he overcame all things, 
overcame the world. I think even in 
this day all whom are not found in 
Christ fail, or in one's self is failure, 
but in Christ is life. Call to mind the 
wars and the crime and suffering that 
came from the breaking of the law. 
God gave to our early fathers the law 
by which they failed to live largely. 
They were continually breaking it, so 
after the law he also gave his Son. 
Some have been lead out from under 
the law (earthly law— or law of man,) 
through Christ, or laws permitted of 
God, as the children of Israel were led 
out of Egypt from under the laws and 
domineering of the Egyptians across 
the sea to the land of promise. Neither 

—82— 



were they required to take up arms 
and fight under God for he led them 
out by the hand of Moses. So we see 
what a God fearing man can do through 
God alone if God so wills. Do not get 
a false idea of my meaning and make 
bold statements and bring up all of our 
brave soldiers and men whom have 
fought for their country. When all 
war ceases then we will have peace; 
you do not dispute this. Then some 
must see a better example and discard 
all self defense and accept the sword 
of God (love). An army of such 
soldiers would conquer the world, not 
by slaying others, but by love, and 
others would follow their example. 
We have an army of such soldiers, I 
believe. You all admit the pen 
mightier than the sword. The law of 
God given to Moses was beautiful and 
within itself perfect, but it did not 
perfect the people, or where were those 
perfect ones at the time Christ came, 
that had been perfected by the law? 
Christ said, ^^No, not one,'' and referred 

—83- 



them back to the early fathers, saying, 
^Think not to say within yourselves, 
we have Abraham, to our fathers, for 
a greater than he is here," so in this 
day we look back and see many of the 
world's great men whom we honor for 
their bravery and faithfulness. Those 
men who tried to better conditions 
and were ever kind and thoughtful 
looking forward as they thought to 
better the world, yet they did not give 
all of their time to the service of God, 
as Christ did, so we might say, even in 
this day, think not to say within your- 
self we have this one or that one to 
our fathers for a greater than he is 
here (Christ, Jesus). We do not mean 
that we can see him, or behold him in 
person, but we believe he is here in 
spirit or power. There is so much to 
convince those whom love him, they 
hear, feel and see so much of his work- 
ings and so many things are suggested 
to their minds through the spirit of 
truth that they do in this way believe 
in his presence. Sometimes I believe 

-84- 



if there be a personal spirit devil he 
may be permitted to suggest things 
and influence our lives to some extent 
if God so wills or permits it, but only 
for our final good, he would only be 
permitted to tamper where we fail. 
*(See note on bottom of page.) ^'Ye 
do greatly err," Christ said when asked 
of those whom came asking concerning 
marriage. They neither marry, nor 
are given in marriage in heaven. 
Then speaking of how God had made 
them male and female and they were 
of one flesh and one harmony, but on 
account of the exceeding hardness of 
their hearts things had been permitted 
to go on. There were those whom 
would have altered the course, but 
were helpless since the people de- 
manded other than God's ways. So in 
this day one seeking office, or promin- 
ence can scarcely let known his own 
ideas and religion less he lose, and so 
the minister in some cases preach much 
in line with the belief of his parish, or 

*NoTK— Read Jobe's Trials. 
-85— 



he would lose, i. e., lose prominence. 
So God has said, "Where the tree 
falleth, there let it lie." 

Am I my brother's keeper; why 
not? Are we responsible to any extent 
for our brother's actions, or fellow- 
man's actions; why not? Have we, 
ourselves, never done wrong, or made 
any mistakes; have we never misled 
another at any time; are we perfect? 
I think upon investigation we will find 
ourselves doing many things that bring 
reproof. Are we not dependent largely 
upon one another? If not, why do we 
beg and borrow of others? When 
sick, why do we feel ourselves reliant 
largely on others, then should we not 
feel as though we ought to serve them 
with kindness as Christ did? The 
theory that God made all things and 
all things are good for man, since he 
made them, is true enough in one 
sense, but man takes that God did 
make for the good purpose and not 
only extracts from it a strong property, 
but partakes of it freely and becomes 

-86- 



as one drunken and blames God for 
giving us the material. We will not 
mention all the vices, the places where 
vice is prompted or started, but let us 
ask the person to seek Christ and turn 
his life to the service of God, then we 
know where we will find such a one. And 
when Christ is found other things are 
added to the person in mind— cleanli- 
ness, sobriety, and good reason, and he 
will not find himself, as a rule, assent- 
ing to anything sinful, not even to the 
first signs or presentation of evil. 
Generally we find him at home with 
his family, with others whom love 
home, out in the field, in the woods, 
maybe beside a stream, lake or in 
green pastures. He learns to love 
those things that are pure and clean. 
When you find such a one in the city 
or crowded places it is, as a rule, that 
he seeks to acquaint himself with 
others that he might help them to 
better, or he seeks employment or is 
employed therein. 

—87— 



At one time we will say there was 
a mighty ruler. A man having a large 
dominion and of whom most of the 
people at that time took council. A 
man with a purpose, character, very 
strict, yet naturally kind and sympa- 
thetic. As yet peace had reigned dur- 
ing his time but later on war began to 
brew with a neighboring country to 
which both called together and trained 
great armies of soldiers and every 
preparation was made for war. This 
thought suggested itself to this mighty 
ruler, if so be, we prepare for war, we 
will surely have war, and the result 
means a great sacrifice of lives. He 
thought on, and to himself said, if 
only those men whom go as soldiers 
had to suffer the effects of the war, it 
would not be quite so bad, but look at 
the wife at home with, perhaps, several 
children encumbered with her cares 
and trials under such conditions, suffer- 
ing more or less from exposure as well 
as the mental strain brought to bear 
upon them. Then too, he thought, our 

-88- 



enemy or the neighboring country will 
likewise suffer, and their people are 
praying to God to bless their cause and 
we likewise pray to God to appoint us 
as victors. He still thought on; not 
only will we suffer of these, but war 
may leave a stain on both lands that 
will never wash out. 

If we hold no enmity whom knows 
but that they might hold enmity. 
And thus he reasoned, we have had wars, 
and wars, and we still have rumors of 
wars. He finally called to mind the 
verse, * 'Blessed are the peace makers 
for they shall be called the children of 
God.'' Finally he said to himself if 
those men of my cabinet or my house 
would listen to me in this matter and I 
could prompt them to stand for peace 
and consent to urge an agreement 
aside from war, then how much in- 
fluence we could bring to bear with 
the people for peace, but after testing 
the matter and feeling lightly of a 
few of his under officers, he found the 
people demanded an army and what 

—89- 



they thought protection, thus his under 
officers demanded the same, and so the 
appeal finally came to him, and he said, 
why do we wait for others, it is my 
duty to do the will of God and then 
seek others? He called to mind the 
time when one raised his sword to 
strike another, also when Christ said: 
"it becometh us to fulfill all righteous- 
ness, again when he (Christ) called the 
child to him he said, "of such is the 
kingdom," and finally when he became 
better acquainted with Christ and 
found himself of more confidence and 
faith the word said to him, "sell that 
ye have and follow me/^ Thus he be- 
gan to advocate peace; he prayed for 
peace and tried to urge people for 
peace, but they would have war. 

When the people found that this 
great man had got up a petition and 
was about to call them together by 
special meetings, many of them came 
to him asking questions for the sole 
purpose of contradicting and interrupt- 
ing him — just as did many whom went 

—90— 



to Christ in his time saying to him, 
''Jesus, we know that thou art a 
mighty one and understand the things 
of God — why is this, and how about 
that?" Christ would answer them 
quietly and honestly at which they 
would call him all manner of names 
and say that he spoke blasphemy and 
so when the people came to this 
mighty ruler, in mind, saying, look at 
the blessings we have enjoyed since 
our last siege, look at the freedom, 
have not our wars abolished slavery? 
Look how we are advanced education- 
ally and morally, and thus they went 
on, we know that thou art a mighty 
man, discreet in all your doings, but 
why do you advocate peace and wish 
us to come under the same commission? 
Why do you not see the folly of your 
theory? He answered them in this 
wise very meekly and without envy. 
If your wars have benefited you so 
greatly, morally and educationally, 
why then do you come to me with 
cunningness and hatred in your hearts 
seeking an argument? 

-91— 



The nations have wared with one 
another since their beginning which 
has only proven war a failure and the 
height of folly. If we expect peace 
and good will on earth toward all, we 
must set a better example. The light 
seemed to grow out of darkness for 
him and this thought came to him, 
"Sell that ye have and follow me." 
Would you forsake your first love? 
Will you give up home, friends and all 
for my sake. He recalled that part of 
the law as layed down by God by the 
hand of Moses, "Behold, I set before 
you this day a blessing and a curse;" a 
blessing if ye obey the commandments 
of the Lord (your God), this day, and 
a curse if ye will not obey the com- 
mandments of the Lord (your God), 
but turn aside out of the way to go 
after other Gods which ye have not 
known. Surely the war will prove no 
blessing he thought, then he began to 
express regret through some lack of 
faith and strength and used some such 
expressions as did some of the prophets 

-92- 



in order to express different ideas, 
"Why was I born, and why were my 
eyes ever permitted to behold such 
things, such cruelties? and a voice 
seemed to say, 'Seek my child and ye 
shall find/' We must follow Christ's 
teachings, and then he said, "I believe 
that God would cause his great cloud 
to move to the rear and darken the 
path of our enemy and cause the light 
to shine in our pathway as it did for 
the children of Israel," or if enough 
would take hold for peace then peace 
would reign. So this great ruler was 
thrown out of his office, out of his king- 
ship, and he became a man financially 
poor, but Oh, how rich in Christ! 
They said to him, "Why, you are beside 
yourself/' He is crazy and he hath 
a devil, etc, etc. He found himself 
without a place to lay his head and the 
soles of his feet were sore-tired, for his 
services were so in demand by a few, 
and others sought him to mock and 
disturb, but God finally gave him rest 
and peace, although his joy and peace 

—93- 



while living here on earth was a com- 
fort and joy such as God's own only- 
know. 

As it appears to me we should 
seek the fellowship of all mankind and 
we should serve not only the one, but 
all, as all came from one and we should 
love all, the black, the white, the Jew 
and the Gentile. Yes, all mankind. 
God so loved the world that he gave 
his Son. 

[As quoted of ''Friendship and Faith" by Eva Williams 
M alone.] 

We differ sore in doctrine, dogma, creed; 

To you, my faith may rankest unf aith be, 
Yet cognate still in simple, human need. 

We may be one in love's great mystery ! 

I care not for to-morrow, but must cleave 

With strong intent to my supreme to-day; 
With steadfast faith you round to-morrow weave 
Rare dreams that shed a nimbus o'er your way. 

What matters it to me, friend, or to you, 
If broad or narrow the philactery. 

If ever to the deeper things and true 
We plight our troth with changeless 
constancy ? 

If I were to join a nominal church 
it would be that which is termed the 

-94— 



Christian Church, because as it now 
appears to me that church, according 
to reason and true bible statements, 
comes nearer to which, I beUeve, the 
apostles and early christians taught. 
You simply acknowledge Christ, and 
are baptized and given the hand of 
fellowship; their motto is "No creed, 
but Christ" 

Now I will close, and in this last 
paragraph would state, if you do not 
agree with my statements or ideas of 
belief, please do not feel envious, for 
I did not wish to impress you with any 
bad or harmful ideas, but was rather 
in hopes that my writings might help 
you to a better and purer life. 



THE END. 



—95— 



\Vl\k 



Z\\3^' 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: April 2005 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 

1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township, PA 16066 
(724)779-2111 



^r 



